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Charlie Hodge Passed Away

Elvis’s loyal sidekick, Charlie Hodge lost his battle with lung cancer latter part of Friday March 3rd afternoon and passed away. Charlie Hodge, 71, was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2005 and despite this, he continued to perform at Memories Theatres for the love of his fans. He had a couple of treatments of radiation therapy in between December and January.
Charlie first met Elvis on the transport ship from the New York to Germany, September 1958, although they appeared together on a Red Foley show in 1956. They stayed friends until Elvis' death in August 1977. Charlie was the guy who sang back up, played guitar, handed Elvis water and gave him scarves on stage during the shows in the 1970's. Also, Charlie had a big influence on the song lists of the seventies shows. He used to suggest song titles to Elvis.
We’d like to express our sincere condolences to his family, who stood with him in the last months of his life. Despite his medical battle, and despite the fact that he couldn’t perform on stage anymore, Charlie stayed optimistic until the very end.
Letters of condolences may be sent to:
The Family of Charles Hodge
c/o Memories Theater
2141 Parkway
Pigeon Forge TN 37863
Atchley Funeral Home
118 E Main Street
Sevierville, TN 37862
Sunday, March 5th
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Alabama viewing:
Roselawn Funeral Home
741 Danville Road
Decatur, AL 35601
Monday, March 6
5:00 - 8:00 PM
Tuesday, March 7
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Charlie Hodge
Funeral Services
Tuesday, March 7th, 2006
2:00 pm
Roselawn Funeral Home
741 Danville Road
Decatur Alabama
35601
(256) 353 2996
* If you are interested in sending flowers - they can be sent to the funeral home *

Reactions

R.I.P. Charlie, May Heaven shine that much more brighter with you in it along with Elvis, JD & the others. It's been awhile since I've been online due to a down computer, so I've not been able to check in. I know this rather late but hey, it's better late than never, and I just had to leave my condolences to Charlie and the Hodge family.

I live in Michigan as well and i did not know of Charlie's passing until yesterday. I was so upset to hear it on the radio while i was listening to Elvis Hour on Elvis Only. Devon is right, there are no words to explain how much Charlie will be missed. It is nice to think that after all these years he spent without Elvis and now they are back together again. Lord knows how much they went through together.There is no doubt he will be missed.

I was saddened to haer of Charlies death,I only found out today. It seems that all the gang are slowly leaving us but lets face it theres a helluva party going on up there. A lot of the good guys are going now but one day perhaps we'll get a chance to meet them all. Ill be listening to the how great tho art album tonight. You will be missed Mr Hodge.

charlie so sad and upset to hear that you have left this big building. i always wanted to meet you, but was too poor to come from england uk. with tears in my eyes as i write this, one day i promise to come to your graveside and elvis' and sing softly 'danny boy', and you will know that you are missed and loved. wayne newton described you as 'his friend' and i hope you will consider me as your friend. you are fantastic (fan-tastic),brilliant, a guy of real worth and standing. i will pray for you and your family.with all my love yours mattpresleyxxx.xxx.xxx

This was sad news indeed. I had always hoped Charlie would be part of the Elvis the Concert team and I would get the chance to see him where he belonged, on stage with Elvis and the gang and everyone having a great time. He was a good, good friend to Elvis and that's why we loved him.

Ok, Slewfoot! Now that you had to join THE BOSS, Fortas, J. D. and others, would you please sing, altogether, beautiful melodies - with nice harmonies you do so well - to this insane world, trying to get it better? We´ll be together, surely. It´s a matter of time. Thanks a lot!

oh, how wonderful, kimbill. Thank you for these lovely words and feelings. And thank you to all the other so warmhearted contributions. This is the most lovely side of fans we meet here. It's corresponding so beautifully to the sincerity of Charlie's soul. And this will make him very happy. And Elvis too. It's a great feeling that no loving heart will ever be lost. Be all blessed with this love.

Dear Charlie, My whole life I dreamt of finally getting to the States one day and meeting you, becoming friends. Even though I always felt I already knew you in a way, as if you were simply part of the family. I was heartbroken to read of your death and the only comforting thought to me is that you are reunited with Elvis again, your 'main man' as you would have put it. He couldn't have wished for a better friend, and you, just like Elvis, always treated us fans with the same amount of love and respect. May God bless you. Take good care of yourselves and I pray that you're happy, wherever you are. I still dream that one day we'll meet up, it'll just be a little later than what I'd hoped for. Love you. Amen. xoxx

Known only to Him are the great hidden secrets I'll fear not the darkness when my flame shall dim I know not what the future holds But I know who holds the future In this world of fear and doubt On my knees I ask the question Why a lonely heavy cross I must bear Then He tells me in my prayer It's because I am trustworthy

So long Charlie... you've been our friend forever and I'll miss you... My deepest sympathy to your family

Charlie was one of the good guys in the group, loved Elvis no matter what..I met and drove Charlie last year and he was a pleasure to be with,a true gent.. I know why Elvis loved him so much, he was a star and a great performer in his own right and he will be missed throughout the Elvis world. Condolences to Jennifer and all around Charlie, Ireland loved him and we will remember our time with him and for being the most loyal & true of Elvis' friends.

Just heard the news today. It really saddened me. Elvis's bet friend; gone, and gone from us too. Hopefully him and Elvis, and J. D. are jamming together in HEAVEN. WE MISS THEM ALL; AND LOVE THEM VERY MUCH.

I had the good fortune to meet sir charles in feb'05. sorry now I didnt get a autograph, at the time there was so many around him he looked tired even then. his laugh and witty jokes.. I echo everyones post here, In heaven they'll be definatly takin care of business, Say hi for me Charlie xx

Well said Todd. What a total loss this is to the 'Elvis World'. A man who truly loved Elvis and couldn't you just see it in his eyes! Charlie, you will absolutely never ever be forgotten. May God bless you and you rest in peace and by the way, thank you from us all.

A total shock, i met Charlie last year in stoke. took the time to sign 4 books and have several photographs taken. a real gent !! its time to resume that old job Charlie as the King needs his scarfs and water. rest in peace CHARLIE your where a STAR !!

Among the Elvis inner circle, you were the truest of the true. And with the news of your passing, we, the long-term, long-time Elvis fans, are bluer than blue. Until we meet again, Sir Charles, may God bless you. Adios.

I have been gutted all day since I got an eMail from Hubert Vindevogel early this morning. Sir Charles had the dirtiest laugh, told the filthiest jokes and had a smile that was as bright as the stars in the sky. He was proud to give Elvis his water, and he loved him he really loved him. He was an ace geezer, he adored England especially Norfolk, Suffolk, Leicestershire, and the Potteries. He had real friends over here. Now he's "over there", I hope he finds some good Whiskey and those awful cheap fags that he smoked cause they won't hurt you now mate, and Jennifer if you're reading this baby I'm crying with you tonight. All our love Todd

Today, I´m feling very bad...A FRIEND, say goodbay. The most beautiful person that with his heart bring us, joiness,hapiness and special moments. A true friend, Charlie I miss you terribly. Today I´m feling Indescribable Blue... GODBLESS YOU MY FRIEND, REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD...I´LL CRY FOR YOU

What a shock. May you rest in peace Charlie. I pray you knew how much you meant to us all and how we respected you for your absolute and total loyalty and love towards Elvis. You will be very very sorely missed by millions of us. God bless you.

I'm deeply shocked and in grief. I had the honour to be twice on stage with Charlie, way back in 1981 when he was asked by the ueps to come over to Belgium and talk about Elvis.He was also asked to sing a couple of songs.As I was and still am a pro singer in my country we did two concerts,one in Antwerp and one in Brussels. As the bandmembers lived all in Bruges I picked Charlie up in Antwerp and drove him to my hometown.We were together for about a week, rehearsing with the band,talking, laughing, joking. What a wonderful experience this was. He never never never said one bad word about Elvis. He must have loved him very much! We met again more than 20 years after the concerts.This time it was in Knokke at the Casino.He still rememerd me and we hugged.During his performance I was asked to come on the stage, and wa sang " Love me tender " together, just as we had done so many years ago. May you rest in paece dear Charlie and may God bless you. I'm almost 66 years old now but I'm not ashamed to say I can't hold back my tears.

"Steadfast loyal and true" became Charlie´s trademark. I immediately felt that special bound between Elvis and him, seeing them on stage together. And I understand why.. He also had that same warmth and kind hearted approach that is so rare. And combined with his musical skills, that was the main reason the audience and the king himself loved him so much. -Rock on Charlie!

believe me CHARLIE will be sorly missed, a true friend to E.P. CHARLIE was, his book was written with honesty and integrity. charlie was alway's in elvis corner defending him, and when he wrote his memoirs of life with e.p. he went through many publishers because they wanted dirt, and charlie just wouldn't print crap, so he waited 5 years and for the right publisher. this was charlie hodge, i know elvis is happy to have him back, thery're probably singing down in the alley.

Charlie was a very humble,sincere and genuine southern gentlemen. I had the pleasure of speaking to him at length a few years ago and I will never forget that. He took all the time you wanted with him and you could see in his eye his love for Elvis, unlike others, Charlie's love was real...May God bless him and his family. Kevin Booth West Virginia

I am so sad to read this. I am shocked. Charlie, one of my dreams that I had in my like was to meet you in person. Not possible now but we will some of these days. Say hello to Elvis and Brazilian fans are all saddened with that but we are all sure that you are in a better place. Rest in peace buddy.

I was heartbroken when I learned by an employee of Memories Theatre Friday evening that Sir Charles had passed away. He truly was the only one left part of Elvis life that we could say was a true and dedicated friend. I consider myself lucky to have met you when I did in 1992 and to have spent the amount of time that we did and to share some laughs and good times over Elvis Presley. Rest in peace Sir Charles with our beloved Elvis!

I am so very sad this morning to hear the news that dear Charlie Hodge has passed away. Charlie I take comfort in the fact that I was very lucky to get the chance to tell you to your face that you were the very best one around Elvis. You are back with the boss, say hello to him, he will be so pleased to see you.